John “Jack” Van Why is a former Georgia Assistant Attorney General who represents businesses and individuals in government investigations, False Claims Act litigation, complex civil litigation, and white-collar criminal defense. He has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America© “Ones to Watch” for his work in white-collar criminal defense and commercial litigation.
Before joining the firm, Jack handled criminal and civil healthcare fraud matters with the Georgia Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. During his tenure with Attorney General’s Office, he was cross-designated as a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the purpose of prosecuting federal criminal Medicaid fraud cases. On the civil side, Jack investigated and pursued False Claims Act cases, with several resulting in significant recoveries on behalf of the United States and Georgia.
Jack maintains a well-rounded private practice with a particular focus on white-collar criminal defense and False Claims Act litigation. As to the latter, he has significant experience representing qui tam whistleblowers and defendants under the FCA. Jack is a member of the Criminal Justice Act (“CJA”) panel for the Southern District of Georgia and serves as appointed counsel for indigent defendants in the Southern District in that capacity.
Jack graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law after earning two degrees, cum laude, from Auburn University.
Representative Matters
- Represented medical provider in reimbursement dispute. All disputed claims paid to provider.
- Represented two physicians in False Claims Act trial in Georgia.
- Trial counsel for Atlanta-area CPA in federal tax fraud trial.
- Represented diagnostic lab in response to payor audit. All claims for repayment dropped.
- Prosecuted home healthcare provider convicted of defrauding Georgia Medicaid.
- Prosecuted behavioral healthcare provider convicted in a federal multi-state healthcare fraud conspiracy.
- Led federal AKS investigation of home health agency.
- Represented State of Georgia in FCA case resulting in a significant recovery.
- Investigated health care providers as part of joint federal-state investigations.
Government Service
- Special Assistant United States Attorney (2021-2022)
- Assistant Attorney General (2019-2022)
Awards, Recognitions, and Memberships
- The Best Lawyers in America©“Ones to Watch” – Criminal Defense: White Collar Crime (2024) and Commercial Litigation (2024)
- Member, Young Alumni/Alumnae Committee (YAAC), University of Georgia School of Law
- Atlanta Bar Association, Criminal Section